Maritime Transport strengthens Hope and Aid mission with vehicle donation

As part of its continued support for global humanitarian causes, Maritime Transport, the UK’s leading provider of integrated road and rail freight logistics, has donated a Scania truck and trailer to Essex-based charity, Hope and Aid Direct (HaAD). The donation will significantly boost HaAD’s capacity to collect essential aid in bulk across the UK, and support various ongoing relief efforts across mainland Europe and into Ukraine.

The 2019-plate Euro-6 Scania R 450 is a major upgrade to a 40-tonne truck previously used by HaAD and will join two 7.5-tonne vehicles the charity already utilises to get humanitarian aid directly to those who need it. HaAD’s newest addition will begin service imminently, supporting a number of projects including aid deliveries to Ukrainian refugees in Ukraine and Moldova, and the distribution of sleeping bags and tents salvaged from UK festivals to vulnerable adults and children in Calais and beyond.

Maritime first collaborated with HaAD in 2022, when the Company transported over 50,000 duvet and pillow sets donated by Premier Inn’s parent company, Whitbread, to Romania, for those affected by the war in Ukraine. Continuing this partnership, the Scania truck will support the next phase of this project, delivering 2,000 mattresses from Premier Inn hotels to Ukraine.

Alex Williams, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Maritime Transport:

‘The logistical challenges in crisis zones are immense, and as one of the UK's largest logistics providers, we are uniquely positioned to assist. HaAD has been delivering vital supplies directly to those in need, globally, for over 25 years, and we are proud to support their incredible work in partnership with Whitbread, with thanks to SDC, Elite Spraying, and A Pattison Signage and Graphics.’

Nathan Phillip, Supply Chain Commercial Manager, Whitbread:

‘It’s a privilege to collaborate again with Maritime and HaAD, providing essential bedding to those affected by the conflict. This meaningful support is a testament to the remarkable efforts on the ground and we are immensely grateful to Maritime and all our partners who have turned this vision into reality.’

Charles Storer MBE, Head of Operations, Hope and Aid Direct:

‘Maritime is really showing other corporates how to be a ‘force for good’ in a real, positive way and this new addition to our fleet will see us many years into the future, ensuring we can continue to provide humanitarian aid under challenging conditions to people in unimaginable circumstances. A huge thank you to Maritime and Whitbread for their exceptional support.’